Are you stuck on what seems to be an everlasting plateau when it comes to fitness? Do you work out several times a week and eat a healthy diet but yet the scale just doesn’t seem to budge?

It’s highly frustrating, I know, because I used to be in the same boat until I discovered what was really keeping me from attaining my fitness goals and dreams. You may be surprised what is actually holding you back. If you think it’s because you’re not exercising hard enough or that you’re not eating clean enough, you’ll be happy to know that you’re likely way off tract; it could have nothing to do with your training or your diet.

The obstacles that are keeping you from achieving your ideal bodyweight and size are not found in the gym or in the kitchen—they originate within your own mind.

The obstacles are:

* Your self-image. It’s your perception of yourself that either skyrockets you to success or keeps you stuck in a rut—or in this case a fitness plateau.

* Pattern of thought. What you think about most enables you to achieve your fitness and weight reduction goals, or not.

Everything in your life is an expression of how you see yourself within your mind, including your body. Your self-image reflects back in all that you do; the actions you take, the choices you make, and even how you dress are all based on your self-image, which are the beliefs you have about you.

Many of us have false beliefs about ourselves, which creates a false self-image. These limiting believes stem from our environment we were raised in, or by circumstances and events throughout our lives, such as going through a difficult divorce. When you see yourself a certain way no matter how much you want to change, your self-belief will keep you where you are—unless you change your perception of you.

Take a step back and think about how you truly feel about yourself. Can you see how your world mirrors your beliefs? Your life and body as it is right now was created by your self-beliefs and pattern of thought. Your mind is your most powerful tool of creation—what you think about most you bring about—including your self-image.

For instance, when you think about your weight, do you tell yourself, "I need to lose weight, I’m too fat" if so, then your self-image is that of being "fat," which the body then takes action to become what you believe, which is "I’m fat." So if you think, "I have to lose weight" and then try all the latest fad diets; any weight you do lose you will gain back because your body is always a perfect expression of your self-image.

To change your self-image of being overweight you must first change your pattern of thought to that of being "thin" to create a new positive self-image that reflects your heart’s desires. Be accepting of your desires.

Do yourself a huge favor and shift your self-image to that which you want to be, by changing your pattern of thought, to release the obstacles that are keeping you from attaining your fitness dreams. Start today by loving everything about yourself. See yourself healthier, happier and in shape as if you have already accomplished your desires. The more you focus on the "end results" the sooner you will surely be living your fitness goals and dreams.

Carol Whitaker is the author of "Ridiculously Happy! The Secret to Manifesting the Life & Body of Your Dreams" and happily married mother of three. Carol is a highly sought after Life Transformation Coach and Lifestyle Fitness Coach, she is well known for the amazing transformations she creates in her clients’ lives. Carol is dedicated to empowering women around the world to love and believe in themselves fully. Carol is a Motivational Speaker and is passionate about inspiring and motivating women to create and manifest the life and body of their dreams. Connect with Carol on Facebook and Twitter to receive her health, fitness & happiness tips. Visit About.me/carol.whitaker to learn more.